The beach party’s over

PHUKET: Vice-Governor Vinai Buapradit has ordered officials to take action tomorrow to prevent drunken youths and tourists “swarming” onto beaches when entertainment venues close at 1am.

“People have complained to the provincial office about the disturbance caused by tourists and youths drinking and dancing on the beaches after the bars have closed,” said the Vice-Governor. “People who live near the beaches say they can’t sleep because of the noise.”

He said the impromptu partying was a problem in Patong, Kata and Karon.

V/Gov Vinai said he had discussed the situation with Governor Udomsak Usawarangkura, who has ordered officials to inspect the beaches for revelers after they have checked entertainment venues to make sure they have closed on time.

“We chose December 10 as the day for all the beaches to be checked,” said V/Gov Vinai, adding that Saphan Hin in Phuket City would also be checked. He said the governor had ordered Phuket City Municipality to tackle the problem there, as well as clean up the park.

“If officers catch young people behaving badly, taking drugs or having sex, they will record that they have been caught, then contact the young people’s parents, although we won’t take them to court for a first offence,” said V/Gov Vinai.